Sample Documents

The sample documents listed below are available as a resource for congregations to use as a reference in the development of their own constitutions, by-laws, and human resources related documents. 

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As more and more new congregations join LCMC, we are receiving more requests for samples of constitutions and bylaws for their review and to assist in the creation or rewriting of their own constitutions and bylaws. LCMC does not have a "model" constitution and does not require approval of a congregation's constitution. The following congregations have graciously provided copies of their constitution and bylaws as an aid to any congregation seeking assistance. There is no requirement to use any of these. They have been provided solely as examples for congregations seeking direction.

Sample Constitutions:

• A Sample Constitution: Provided by Lutheran Church of the Cross, Altoona, IA
• A Sample Constitution: Provided by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pell Lake, WI
• A Sample Constitution: Provided by Shalom Community Lutheran Church, Starbuck, MN
• A Sample Constitution: Provided by St Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bridgewater, MI
• A Sample Constitution and By-Law: Provided by Charity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND
• A Sample Constitution and By-Law: Provided by Christ Church, Otsego, MN

Sample By-Laws

• A Sample By-Law: Provided by Lutheran Church of the Cross, Altoona, IA
• A Sample By-Law: Provided by Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND
• A Sample Constitution and By-Law: Provided by Charity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND
• A Sample Constitution and By-Law: Provided by Christ Church, Otsego, MN

Sample Human Resources Documents

• LCMC Employee Handbook: A sample policy manual for church employees
• Call Packet:  Includes a sample application form, background check release form, letter of call, congregational profile and job description
• Handling Alleged Misconduct in the Congregation:  A step-by-step guide for congregations to deal with misconduct issues
• Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure:  A sample guide for how to deal with harassment complaints in congregations
• Abuse By Clergy: An article from the FaithTrust institute dealing with questions and answers regarding the nature of clergy abuse
• Code of Ethics for Pastors: A statement developed by the National Association of Evangelicals to guide pastoral conduct

Other Sample Documents

• SCOTUS 6/26/15 Decision Resources:  Sample responses for congregations to the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate a state’s decision to define marriage as only between one man and one woman, and to therefore require every state to perform same gender marriage.